This week, I was invited to spend a night at the hotel Président Wilson in Geneva and to explore the first La Mer spa ever opened in Switzerland.
If you are not familiar with the La Mer brand, let me give you some facts about the cream that is much sought-after by celebrities all around the globe. It was invented by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber after he suffered an accident that severly burned his face. When medicine and other traditional means failed to heal his scarred appearance, he looked for the curative powers of the sea and natural regenerating properties of plants. The result was a precious elixir, with The Miracle Broth™ at its heart. Dr. Huber formulated Crème de la Mer (which works by the way truly fantastic if you got a sunburn).
View of the pool
My room
The hotel Président Wilson was a wonderful experience with great service. The spa, which is located on the first floor, also offers relaxing sessions in the hammam, the sauna, the jacuzzi and the outdoor sea-water pool.
Me relaxing in the spa
The spa has 5 rooms, one of which is reserved for massages for two. This was where I had my wonderful body treatment. My skin got exfoliated with The Body Refiner by La Mer that is infused with two carats of pure diamond powder leaving your skin smooth and glowing. After that treatment, I received a relaxing massage with The Body Crème by La Mer that could be described best as a seaweed wrap in a jar.
You can choose from many different treatments, for further information, click here.
A spa treat: Macarons in the La Mer colours
Below you can find some photos of the hotel’s amazing flower decorations:
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Président Wilson; © Sandra Bauknecht
My last week in Istanbul was truly magical. I was impressed by the kindness and friendliness of the Turkish people and how wonderful and vibrant the city is. Shopping was a hell of a lot of fun. If you are based in Zurich and would like to experience some Istanbul fashion wonders, I recommend the newly opened shop Myracle – The Boutique (Freyastr. 21, 8004 Zürich).
Meryem Yalcinöz, who is Swiss with Turkish roots, carries yound Turkish designers as well as established brands like Machka and Ipekyol. Some of the shoes and jewelry pieces are even exclusively made for Myracle.
In case that I have whetted your appetite for a trip to Istanbul, Meryem also offers customized concierge services, from hotel recommendations to insider tips concerning dining and nightlife.
With her help, you can experience the city like a local.
LoL, Sandra
Bye-bye Turkey! I truly enjoyed my last night at the beautiful Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul. The hotel was outstanding in everything and I would absolutely recommend staying here. Here are some photos of the restored historical Sultan’s Palace which is part of the hotel and where the 11 VIP suites are located with a private entrance.
My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
The Sultan suite one of the biggest in Europe with over 376 square meters is located on the second floor of the magnificent historical Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. It has hosted many royals and precious guests since its opening such as King of Spain – H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan – H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey and many more.
Staying in the Sultan Suite is a luxurious privilege with two master bedrooms and an astonishing marble bathroom with gold plated taps, guests enjoy 24 hour private butler service and absolute privacy. Rack rate: 30.000 Euro per night + VAT % 8
By the way, during my stay I spotted Zaha Hadid…
LoL, Sandra
Sultan Suite Master Bedroom
Sultan Suite Master Bathroom
Sultan Suite Second Bedroom
Sultan Suite Second Bathroom
Sultan Suite Living Room
Photos: Courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul
Yesterday, it was raining cats and dogs here in Istanbul. Unbelievable, where can I go for just one week of sunshine?!
To enlighten my weather depression, I went to Istinye Park, one of the most impressive shopping malls I have seen.
It felt a little like „Scotty had beamed me up to the USA…“ The mall showcases international brands like Zara, Gap, Massimo Dutti and many more. In addition to these stores, the shopping centre has fabulous restaurants and cafés such as Borsa restaurant and La Durée.
The outdoor section with a green central park truly resembles a Mini Rodeo Drive. It features high-end lines like for example Miu Miu, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and the local trendy department store Beymen.
With almost 300 shops in total, I was bound to find something…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
During the last days, I did a lot of sightseeing in this phenomenal city. Today was my favourite: Istanbul’s most famous monument, the former cathedral and later mosque of Haghia Sophia (meaning „Divine Wisdom“) that was originally built in 537 A.D., in the rule of Emperor Justinian, and later converted to a mosque after the conquest of the city by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in 1453.
View of the Haghia Sophia from the beautiful Four Seasons at Istanbul Sultanahmet terrasse.
The interior is truly awe-inspiring, particularly the main chamber, roofed by its fabulous dome, 30m (98ft) in diameter, just breathtaking.
While sightseeing, I like to be comfortable but don’t want to look too sloppy. Today I went for my T-shirt dress with colourful applications and ballet flats by Lanvin and had an extra pair of leggings plus my ikat print scarf by Louis Vuitton with me to respect the local dress codes if necessary. Backpack (very practical) by Prada.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Yesterday, I visited the Grand Bazaar (in Turkish, Kapali Carsi, meaning „Covered Market“) which is truly a whole new world. Made up of a maze of interconnecting vaulted passages, the Bazaar has its own banks, baths, mosques, cafés and restaurants, not to mention the thousands of shops, all glittery and fairy-lit in the absence of natural light. Since the rise of the mall, it is no longer the biggest shopping centre in the world, but it is definitely one of the oldest. You can browse through a sea of trinkets, jewelry, clothes, oriental decorations, fabrics, carpets and much more. I tried to capture some of my favourite impressions for you and hope that you will like them.
At the end of this post, you will see what I got to take a piece of Istanbul home with me. I am invited soon to a „1001 Nights“ themed party and this will be my costume…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Welcome to Ulus 29! The trendy restaurant with its bar and nightclub is an Istanbul classic. Located between the first and second Bosphorus bridges, overlooking the Anatolian side with one of the most beautiful Istanbul Strait views, it combines contemporary and traditional interiors. The menu is a mix of both as well, from a wide sashimi selection to mini pita, Turkish pizza and yoghurt kebab.
My makeup: Eyeshadow Palette in Baby Nu and Mascara Hypnôse Doll Eyes by Lancôme, New Lip Gloss in Buff by Bobbi Brown and Wanted Blush in 01 Glowing Peach by Helena Rubinstein.
On my finger nails: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Berry Hot, on my toes: Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Purple Passion, both by Estée Lauder.
My outfit: Strapless Dress (with cut-outs at the back) and Sandals by Gucci (Resort 2011), Foldover Falabella Bag by Stella McCartney and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Merhaba! Yesterday, I flew to Istanbul, Turkey. A place I had been wanting to go for a very long time. After having arrived in my hotel in the late afternoon, I didn’t even change and went straight to the nearby harbourside district of Ortaköy, a fascinating place full of restaurants, nightclubs, specialty antique, jewelry and ceramic shops.
On the weekends, there is a colourful street market with Turkish handcrafts and local food street vendors in an oriental setting beside the famous Ortaköy Mosque.
Enjoy my first impressions of last night. I am loving it here!
LoL, Sandra
Me at the Bosphorus
Zebra-print Top by Stella McCartney, Leggings by Blumarine, Long Cardigan by Gucci, Stingray Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton and Daisy Necklace by Christian Dior
A fun dinner outside at the House Café Ortaköy.
Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Brigde that is connecting Europe and Asia.
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Here are some photos of the beautiful hiking tour I did last week. I love Bavaria and wanted to share those very picturesque photos with you. Religious symbols (see below) are everywhere in the South of Germany, even in the woods.
My hiking outfit: Leggings and top by American Apparel, cotton parka by Balmain, zebra-print calfskin hiking boots by Prada, watch by Roger Dubuis and sunglasses by Marni.
My foreign readers might understand why the dirndl (traditional costume in Bavaria) is very popular here. It just fits in so perfectly with the landscape and the cozy way of living.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Hello native Germany! I spent the last week at Schloss Elmau in Southern Bavaria. Unfortunately, the hotel is definitely not worth talking about it. The luxurious standard that they advertise on their website along with the photos don’t hold their promise.
The only beautiful part has been the spa house and the treatments where I could really take a break from everyday life. The view, the nature, and going hiking was also wonderful and reminded me of my childhood.
My comfy outfit on the day of arrival: Wide pants by Stella McCartney, nautical top and long scarf by Chanel, ballerinas by Prada and my new beautiful XL-Boston bag in bright blue python leather by Céline (Pré-fall 2011).
My makeup is done with products of the 29, St. Honoré Collection by Lancôme.
Unfortunately, I got really sick and am on antibiotics now with a middle ear inflammation and tonsillitis. No fun!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
